Overview & Reviews

Why are Honda vehicles so highly regarded by American drivers? Certainly, their excellent reputation for reliability and quality is a major factor. But it also has to do with the overall driving and owning experience. Read any Honda review and you'll likely notice common themes such as thoughtful design, a friendly nature, better-than-average fuel economy and attention to safety.

Japan-based Honda Motor Company was founded in 1948 by Soichiro Honda. The company got its start making motorbikes. Japan had been rendered cash poor and fuel-starved after World War II, and its citizens were hurting for an inexpensive, fuel-efficient mode of transportation. Honda's first motorcycles mated engines with bicycles to create a motorbike that was cheap to make and operate.

Honda's bikes quickly evolved into vehicles far more sophisticated than small engines stuck into bicycle frames. The manufacturer's 1949 D-Type could reach speeds of up to 50 mph, and offered front and rear suspension. The 1950s saw the launch of the successful Juno scooter, built to steal market share from the Vespa knockoffs that were popular in Japan at that time. In the latter part of that decade, Honda introduced the ultra-successful C100 Super Cub. The motorbike was remarkably easy to operate and featured a crossbar-free frame that made it popular with women. It went on to become the first Honda motorbike sold in the U.S. via then-new American Honda Co. in 1959.

By the early 1960s, Honda had built its first automobiles for the Japanese home market and entered Formula One racing. But it wasn't until 1970 that it exported its first car, the diminutive N600, to the U.S. The automaker initially had a hard time sparking interest among American buyers, but that all changed in 1973 with the introduction of the Civic. The car was larger than Honda's previous models even though it was still very petite compared to compact American cars. The Civic's high fuel efficiency (an important selling point given that decade's energy crisis) and affordability made it Honda's first American success story. By 1976, the Civic had been joined by the Accord, which quickly became a favorite with U.S. consumers as well.

By the 1980s, Honda's success and its reputation as a maker of well-built reliable cars and motorcycles continued to grow. It began building Accords in the U.S. in 1982 and by 1989 had earned the distinction of making America's most popular car. This was also the decade in which Honda created the Acura brand as a way to sell more upscale and luxurious vehicles. Throughout this decade and into the 1990s, the Civic and Accord were huge sellers and considered class benchmarks. Also during this time, Honda continued to innovate through such technologies as variable valve timing, aluminum body construction and improved safety features.

Today, Honda's lineup runs the gamut. Included are fuel-sipping hybrids, a spacious minivan, reliable family sedans, practical SUVs and even a pickup. Although the latest Civic and Accord aren't quite the benchmarks they once were for their respective classes, Honda's brand as a whole continues to be one of the most well respected in the industry, with millions of loyal and satisfied customers.

User Reviews:

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  Disappointed - 2016 Honda HR-V
  By Cheryl Cote - February 26 - 7:41 pm

  The performance for the car is great, but I was totally disappointed in one area. My HRV is suppose to have voice activation regarding mobile phone usage. When I couldnt get this feature to work, even after my sales person to hook it up, I called Honda. They told me that the voice activation works with I phones and a limited no. of androids. A lot of consumers, including myself, have android phones. I feel that listing this as a feature is very misleading. I use to have a Honda Fit and had no issues with the voice activation system. I am very disappointed and feel that I was deceived.

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  Poor Assembly - Lots of Rattling - 2004 Honda Civic
  By TBone - February 26 - 10:00 am

  Lots of rattling noise also found in my family 2003 Accord EX. Unusal vibration and noise (from disengaging the transmission locking mechanism) when changing from Park to Drive/Reverse suspecting weak emergency brake because the car rolls (only happens on a hill, dealers say its normal - 2003 Accord doesnt have this problem). Occasionally unusual engine vibration when starting the engine in the morning. Found puddle of water on all 4 doors side steps after car wash or rain (dealer says its normal). Need to stay between 60-70mph to get 26-28 mpg. Does anyone has the transmission and rattling problem? Please write on your review.

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  Another Great Accord - 2005 Honda Accord
  By left1 - February 26 - 1:33 am

  We purchased our Accord at the end of May. This is our third Accord. We traded an 04 Acura TL (a big disappointment) for the V6 EX. The Accord continues to be a great car. It is no wonder that it continues to win awards year after year. We have 5000 miles on it and have only had one issue with the glove box not being tight (rattle). The acceleration is almost as quick as the TL without the TLs torque. The car is much quiter and smoother than the TL. Unless your primary concerns is looks, "toys" and prestige you get a much better car for less money with the Accord

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  Not My 2006 Car Camping CR-V. - 2017 Honda CR-V
  By Flyfisher - February 25 - 2:12 am

  I was so excited to learn there was a redesign for the 2017 model. The day they arrived at the lot, I test drove an LX and an EX. We all know what is good: cargo space, mpg, safety. With the CVT, I am hoping we still have reliability and CR-Vs that last for 200k-300,000 miles, but too soon to tell. I sold my all-time favorite vehicle, a highly reliable 2006 CR-V that doubled as a fly fishing and car camping machine, to fellow fly fishing friends. Three years later, it operates w/o any problems. I sold it because I shouldve rust-proofed that Honda, but I didnt. ): In part because recent year CR-Vs dropped their earlier ground clearance, I bought a Subaru Outback. Great MPG, but Im concerned about their CVTs, and the 06 CR-V was still a better outdoor persons suv than the Subaru, which is marketed to outdoor enthusiasts. There were too many little things that disappointed me in the 2017 CR-V, and a few big things that dont suit my outdoor lifestyle, that led me NOT to buy the new CR-V. Boo! *1) No CD player... to play the audio books on those 4 to 8-hr car rides to my fishing destinations. 2) Annoying: no storage on LX behind drivers seat. Chintzy and impractical. Come on, Honda. Thats where my maps go. *3) No option to use a key to start suv in any models except LX. What if battery dies or fob becomes defective, gets dropped in water? I want a key to most-reliably start the vehicle. 4) Id love the choice of a mid-level suv that does NOT make me have a sunroof. 5) It seems that the light-colored exteriors no longer had black (dark), cloth interior options... Outdoorsy people can get dirty and/or wet pants and still need to sit on seats and drive vehicles. *6) If consumers all have to have touchscreens, how about angling them slightly downward or ? so the sun does not reflect off them into the drivers eyes??! And for that matter, can we get rid of the fake, reflective silver trim on the dash and center counsel? These, to me, are more important safety and comfort features than things like "acoustic glass". *7) Please, please, please give the 2018 CR-V fold-flat front seats like my 06 CR-V did and the current Rogue does!! With the fold-flat seat, I could car camp safely in passenger front/rear seat, leaving cargo area for cargo and allowing me to slip into drivers seat in case of safety needs/to drive away. I could also recline the rear seat and work on projects or read prior to going to sleep. The 2017 LX drivers seat almost folds flat enough, but serious padding would be needed for remotely comfortable sleeping. Fold flat seats also allow for hauling longer items for DIY projects. 8) Do you remember those hooks on the rear headliner of the 06 CR-V that were intended for use with child safety seats? Well, those hooks served other practical needs. I hung bungie cords from them, used Velcro on the headliner and attached bungies between the left and right passenger above-the-door handles to hang my fly rods in the compact 06 CR-V. Man, I miss that vehicle! No hooks on headliner of 2017 CR-V, but Rogue has one. Alas, Rogue is too small and Ive heard rumors about CVT concerns there, too. Every part of me wants to own the reliable Honda CR-V again, but Honda started turning it more into a car as years went on. Now, with increased ground clearance and improved height cargo area, maybe Honda is getting more practical again and gearing their compact suv to people who really want the utility of an suv? Fold flat seats would go along way to make the suv more outdoors and DIY ready. And what other manufacturers are ditching the cd player?! Lets get that cd player back in the cabin. Thanks for letting me do this review!

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  Very Reliable Car - 2000 Honda Civic
  By ddly - February 25 - 2:00 am

  I have had my civic dx for a little over 3 years. I have not had any major or minor problems. But am looking to trade it in to get a 02 or 03 EX sedan. Great car!

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  Family Friendly SUV - 2016 Honda Pilot
  By Corey - February 25 - 1:10 am

  Great ride overall. Comfy interior, smooth ride, great storage, 3rd row seating, intelligent entry system & remote start are wonderful. The all wheel.drive system is phenominal, as we got to try it out in snow/ice the weekend after we bought it. Kids love it, wife loves it too. Cons are semi-weak acceleration and soft braking, as well as no access to 3rd row with child seats installed on both sides of 2nd row. The speakers are weak too, and Ive tried many bass/treble/subwoofer/fade combinations. The entertainment system takes some getting used to, and is slow at times, but far surpasses anything Ive ever owned. We were able to get ours right at market pricing. Overall, we enjoy our 2016 Pilot, and are glad we chose it over the Ford and Odyssey we were considering.

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  Not the best,not the worst - 2000 Honda Accord
  By GARY - February 24 - 5:23 pm

  It is mostly a plain vanilla car.Wont give you many thrills. But overall a good car for around town.

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  2006 LX - 2006 Honda Pilot
  By DanC - February 23 - 4:10 pm

  Weve had our 2006 for about a month. Overall we find it to be a solid and easy to drive vehicle. It has all of the features that we need and plenty of room. A rattle in the suspension and an annoying vibration during acceleration detract from our enjoyment of the vehicle. Hopefully these can be corrected on the first service visit.

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  Pretty Good - 2003 Honda Pilot
  By gachar - February 23 - 10:00 am

  I replaced my 96 Toyota 4Runner with the Pilot EX. The interior design is pretty cool. The metallic finish makes it look smart. It rides pretty well but handling is not as great as the 4Runner since the vehicle rolls too much. Seat comfort is also not too great. But I liked the automatic AC and stereo. The fold down third row is nice too since it folds down into the floor. Climbing into the vehicle is pretty easy as compared to the 4Runner and short people do not need s side step.

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  Honda CR-V - 1997 Honda CR-V
  By Nathon - February 22 - 2:00 am

  This is a solid, reliable vehicle.